MIAMI VALLEY — First responders across Ohio joined forces together to participate in Operation Santa Sleigh Wednesday after weather previously postponed the launch.
The annual Christmas event was rescheduled from December 23 to December 28 after a winter storm moved through the area.
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Caravans of first responders will visit Children’s Hospitals and Veteran’s Hospitals, with emergency lights flashing, to spread belated holiday cheer simultaneously throughout seven different cities in Ohio.
Kurt Althouse with the Vandalia Police Department said, “our goal is to bring them some cheer and brighten up their spirits as they’re spending their time in the hospital over the holidays.”
Light Ohio Blue organized the event with help from the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and the International Association of Fire Fighters.
“The support, the encouragement, the whole entire peace, happiness, love, and joy, they really need it,” Althouse added.
This was the third year local crews celebrate this event. Operation Santa Sleigh has been active across the state of Ohio for the past four years.
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